Fancy Livin

You can take the girl out of the country...
...But you can't take the country out of the girl.

And that's a fact, Jack!  Especially for this country girl. 

The old saying became obvious when I first learned of the Medical Staff Holiday Party that I was to attend.  My first mission was to find an after five dress.  This is probably an easy task if you are 5'10 and 112 pounds.  But I am a little shorter than that and let's just say I'm not 112 pounds.  Then once you get past that obstacle, there is another to deal with...BOOBS.  It is not easy finding a dress that covers those things.  So let me add to the "5'10, 112 pounds" obstacle.  It's "5'10, 112 pounds, and a perky C Cup."  Now when we first walked in the store, Terry picked out a dress.  I passed it up, because I was trying to be real cheap.  I tried quite a few on, and nothing.  Again, Terry says, "What about that one" as he pointed to the one he chose in the first place.  I grabbed it, tried it on, and decided yep that one will work.   

Next mission finding the appropriate undergarments.  Also, not an easy task.  Strapless bras are not meant for extremely curvy women.  In fact, I was in the dressing room trying one on, and decided in order to determine if it would work I must also put the dress on.  Standing there in front of the mirror, in my skivvies I turn to grab my dress, and flop...My boobs fall out of the strapless bra, which rolls down to my waist, and I am just thanking God I was the only person in the dressing room at the time.  Needless to say, I did not make that purchase. 

Back to the saying, it is even more true for country boys.  Terry would have gone with me, but five star dining at the Fort Worth Club, dancing to Emerald City, and cocktails under elegant chandeliers is not quite his thing.  If it were a bbq in a barn, two stepping to John Conlee, and ice cold long necks that would have been a different story. 

So, what's a girl to do...Ask her daddy to go.  I mean how many girls get to get all fancied up and spend an evening with their daddy?  I was excited, and even though he was nervous I'm sure he was excited too. 

Daddy & Daughter

We had such a fun evening.  We laughed at the old white men with no rhythm who became stars on soul train while dancing to "Play that Funky Music White Boy".  The band was so energetic, and kept us singing and dancing in our chairs...while seated of course.  It did take us a couple tries to learn you must ask  for a splash of cherry when you request a vodka cherry sour.   Because, without that splash of cherry, it's a whole lotta sour.  We even figured out which of the five forks to use with each course of the meal.  A very special moment was dancing with my dad to Emerald City's version of Michael Buble's "Home".  He even says he can't wait until next year. 

This country girl & her daddy pulled off fancy livin' and had a great time doing so. 

Until next time...

...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

An All-Star Weekend

Over 600 miles on the road...
...And one fun-filled, exciting weekend.

We headed West Friday morning for our five hour drive...destination Lubbock.  Texas is one huge state that for sure; you drive for hours and never leave the Lone Star State.  Three cars and thirteen people, all headed to watch Brooke play in the invitational Texas 6-Man Coaches Association All Star Game which was held on Saturday at Lubbock Christian University.  Brooke had been in Lubbock since Monday meeting the coaches, other All Stars and getting ready for the East vs. West game.  Pretty exciting honor I think...being selected to represent Walnut Springs and play ball with some of the best basketball players across Texas. 

Well, after years of wearing Royal Blue on the court, Brooke represented the West wearing her white #5 on the front of a Red jersey.  And, even though it had been a while since her last basketball game, it didn't take but a half a second for Brooke to feel right at home on the court.  It also didn't take but a half a second for all of us in the stands to feel right at home cheering her on and trying to tactfully encourage the refs make the right calls.  There was quite a few of us there too (Brooke's biggest fans...Dad, Me, Colby, Cameron, Corey, Grandaddy, Mi-Mi, Memaw, Papaw, Aunt Teresa, Shelby, Mario and Desi) all dressed in our one of a kind, sapphire, All Star t-shirts, custom made to show our support. 

Brooke & her Coaches Representing the East-Side

It was a rough game.  The East girls had quite a bit of height and came out in attack mode.  A lot of the game looked more like arena football than it did a basketball game.  Brooke took a couple big hits which resulted in fouls, she gave a couple fouls, and put up 5 points for the East and her traveling fan club. Even though the West walked away with the victory, I think it was definitely an experience none of us will ever forget. 


Just part of the football, I mean basketball action

The All Star game might have been the highlight of the weekend, but it wasn't the only excitement going on in Lubbock, Texas.  Friday an electrical transformer blew up, knocking out electricity for half of Lubbock.  Apparently, Dad and I were sleeping pretty heavily, because we were the only ones who slept right through the "Big Boom", the sirens, and the heat.  This power outage, caused a city-wide "Don't drink the water - Boil notice".  This boil notice came after the men of the house had drank a pot of coffee, and several of us girls had brushed our teeth.  Eeek!  Our plans to cook a big breakfast before the game went downhill pretty fast too.   You can't make pancakes without water. 

After the All Star game on Saturday, we decided to try our skills at Indoor Cosmic Golf, Scallywag Laser Tag, and Lubbock's Fastest Go-Carts at Dave's Need 4 Speed.  We all played a pretty good game of mini-golf, but we should have known better than taking Mario, a Walnut Springs Golfing Pro with us.  Dad and Grandaddy did give him a run for his money though. 



Cosmic Golf & Scallywag Laser Tag

 After 18 holes of golf, we headed over to the Scallywag Laser Tag.  We were issued our guns, issued the rules, and scrambled in to find the best hiding place where we could get the most hits.  We were scattered throughout the barrels and crates, on top of the pirate ship, inside the pirate ship, and hidden in the dark corners.  The music came on and it was a free-for-all, we all became top-knotch marksmen, diving from one barrel to the next, ducking the laser fire from what used to be our family - they were now our sworn enemies, and we fired shots like expert snipers from the top and windows of the ship.  The music stopped, the game ended, and we proudly strutted out of the battle zone with sweat beads on our foreheads and a little-bit winded.  When it was all over, Mario mentioned to us the number one rule, which was posted on the walls and expressed to us before we ever got started....Absolutely No Running....That rule was broken as soon as the game started and broken by all of us.

Our next adventure, the go-carts....Cameron and Corey took their place in line at the road course.  This was the first time, they were both able to drive by themselves.  As soon as Corey took that step down onto the track, his game face was on.  His smile turned into a serious look of determination.  Cameron's laid back personality never missed a beat.  Cool and calm he strolled to his go-cart.  The race was on.  Corey in first place, knuckles white from the grip on the steering wheel, and Cameron cruising around the track like it was a Sunday drive in the country.

The rest of us, couldn't hardly wait to get over to the Sprint Kart, oval track with 2-ft. banked turns and get behind the wheel of the winged, Outlaw-style Sprint cars.  Doesn't that sound mean?  The light turned green and we were all professional drivers ready to make the big bucks.  Dad and Grandaddy ran wide open on the slick track, which ended up causing them both to spin out.  I think they might have done that on purpose though.  They of course wanted to win, but spinning out is a lot of fun too.  The light changed to red and the race ended, and we climbed out of the car fully expecting a call from Dale Jr. asking us to drive for him. 

I absolutely love watching Brooke play ball, and I am wishin' she had many, many more years of basketball.  I guess we have to let them grow up sometime.  For sure a great weekend filled with wonderful memories I will always cherish.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style!

Graduation Day

When you have your day planned almost down to the second…

…How is it that those plans always get tossed out the window of a speeding car?

The last two weeks were so busy for us with Elementary Awards, Spring Fling, High School Awards, Eighth Grade Promotion, and High School Graduation.  Not to mention work and the regular day to day life of a family of seven.  Oh and throw in the 2012-2013 Freshman class over for hot dogs and the BBQ after Brooke’s graduation.  

The down to the second planning started Thursday – the day Colby would move from Junior High to High School.  I left work with just enough time to get home and decorate the homemade “Fish” cake, get changed, get to the promotion ceremony, get back home and supervise (with the wonderful help of dad) quite a few 13-16 year olds.  

I would say that all went pretty smooth, others within the house might argue with me on that though.  They might say, the "Fish" cake I decorated didn't go so smooth, and they might even go so far as to say that I should NOT become a cake decorator.  Everyone in the house took turns guessing what the "Fish" cake actually was.  Some said it looked like a turtle, another said a bird, I heard someone guess an airplane, got a dinosaur, dragon, and a shark.  Nobody said Fish.  Guess Cameron was pretty close with his Shark guess. 

The "Fish" cake

Some (my sweet hubby) might argue that the music situation during the Junior High to High School celebration party didn't go all that smooth either.  Let’s just say Terry and I and the kiddos taste in music is a little different.  We were good sports though and let them listen to the base-thumping, difficult to understand, rap blaring from our radio until the party ended.  Our apologies to our neighbors. 

Brooke leaving HS; Colby entering HS

Now, Friday, which was Graduation Day, was for sure, 100%, planned down to the minute.  I knew what time I had to be where to get what I needed, accomplish what I had to get accomplished before the ceremony, and arrive at graduation early enough to get a good seat.  So much for plans.  My busy but going to be smooth day, turned into what seemed like a frantic race against time pretty much as soon as my feet hit the floor.   

After partially decorating the back porch, partially decorating Brooke’s table, and partially decorating the auditorium stage, I was headed to Stephenville with Teresa and Shelby to pick up the cake (only an hour and half off schedule).  Once again, my hubby saved the day.  He finished decorating the back porch with the thirty-five metallic, spiral streamers I just had to have.  Brooke put the final touches on her table, and helped me escape the stage decorating (we just about had it finished anyway). 

A quick trip to Wal-Mart to pick up the some last minute items.  I'm a speed-shopper, by the way.  Nope, not this time - speed shopper or not.  A quick trip into the store doesn’t happen in Stephenville, Texas when it is their graduation as well, and everyone in the store is taking their own sweet time while chit-chatting in the aisles.  I grab my last minute purchases and continue the search for a solid, royal blue tie.  I had been looking for a couple weeks.  Not sky blue, not blue with stripes, not paisley, not baby blue – A solid, royal blue tie.  Finally, a dark blue tie is located, purchased, and it will blend with Terry’s shirt.  

We grab the cake and head back home through Glen Rose.  Here, I must apologize to Shelby.  She was very carefully holding Brooke’s cake, which stood about a foot tall, and was able to keep it safe despite my quick stops and erratic turns.  I’m starting to breathe sighs of relief, thinking we are on the way home now just two and half hours behind schedule – no worries right? Wrong.  Teresa heads in to pick up her dry cleaning.  Guess what, they have no record of dry cleaning for that name.  They search a little longer, and finally find the jacket Teresa is going to wear to graduation that night under the name Melissa Townley.  This seemed a little strange to me, since I have never been to that dry cleaner before.  

While waiting at the cleaners, I realize I forgot a couple things at Wal-Mart, and think to myself I had better check to see if Brooke was able to pick up the roses from the flower shop.  She was extremely busy too, so I add "Pick up Roses" to my list of things to do on the way home.  Last stop, Twisted Twig, and guess what happens there.  The flower shops computer goes down, right smack in the middle of running my card with no way of knowing if payment actually went through.   So we wait, a bucket of twenty-five, long-stem, coral roses in my hand, yesterday’s make-up on my face, and wearing a t-shirt and yoga pants, and only a couple hours until graduation.  Finally, computer is back up, I am all paid, and we are back on the road. 

Now, whoever was on the road behind us must have thought they were walking down the wedding aisle.  The roses still had the mother petals intact, the two petals on the outside of the rose that protect the flower.  Teresa begins pulling all 50 mother petals off the roses and tosses them out the car window.  In my rear view, I see beautiful coral rose petals flying through the air and landing on Highway 144.  

We get home, unload the car (I could have used a bus with all the stuff I had piled on top of all of us and in the trunk), run Teresa and Shelby back home, and pull in to the house to find my hubby and the boys watching “How to tie a tie” videos on youtube.  They continue to watch video after video with true Redneck Commentary about the sissy lookin’ dork that don’t know how to give good instructions on tying ties.  After a few videos, I am back on the road, with Colby, tie in hand and searching for Papaw – who knows how to tie a tie.  We don’t find Papaw, but with the help of Teresa and Shelby, Colby’s neck, and me, we figure it out.  I couldn't have survived the day without Teresa and Shelbs!!

Once again, I am back home, an hour away from graduation and just then jumping in the shower.  I know Brooke was glad I cleaned up, I sure wouldn’t have wanted to embarrass her by my lovely appearance.  With the evenings events fast approaching, and some time by myself, I began reflecting about the graduation ceremony that was going to take place that night.   That was all it took, a few moments without rushing around like a chicken with its head cut off, and I was standing there, all emotional, staring into the bathroom mirror crying.  How was I supposed to put make up on when I couldn’t get the tears to stop?  I did get it done, and we made it to graduation.

After the tie, the roses, the ceremony & the tears

Brooke gracefully took her place on stage with the other graduates.  She stood in front of a packed auditorium, and gave the most sincere speech.  Again, tears were streaming down my face.  Her daddy presented her with her high school diploma.  More tears.  The 2012 Walnut Springs graduating class stood together one last time on the steps of the stage.  This meant more tears for me.  The ceremony was over.  We hurried to the gym to say our “Congrats”, which of course meant more tears.  Just like that, the planning, the preparing, the four years of high school, the time in junior high and elementary school, the homecomings, the proms, the Friday night football games, all of the preparing for this one evening came to a screeching halt.  This chapter is over and another page is turned.  I am sure the next chapter in Brooke’s life will be just as adventuresome.  

Brooke receiving her diploma from her daddy

I know we still have three boys at home, who are 110% involved in everything they can be, so there will never be a dull moment around the Townley house.  I also know that just like Brooke, we will close our eyes one night, wake up the next morning, and we will be planning another graduation.  

It was an emotional week that's for sure. 

Until next time…

…We’re gonna keep on doin’ it Townley Style.

The Book of Life

As each day passes....
...A new page turns.

It seems like the past two weeks have been chocked full of change, but it is only a peak into what is to come.  Maybe the special moments that will forever be dear to my heart are the reason the past couple of weeks have made Brooke's upcoming graduation from high school seem so real.  Now, Graduation has been in the back of our minds all year, but it is quickly racing to the forefront.  I'm not so sure I am ready. 

The special moments in time have taken place this year...the last buzzer of the last basketball game, the last step across the finish line of the last track meet, but a simple question which led into a day of spending time together might be one of my most cherished moments.  (I did say one, there are so many).

I was headed home from work and Brooke asks if I would check on the new nail salon in Granbury.  She wanted to get a mani/pedi before senior pictures.  Totally unexpected, she melted my heart with her next question, "Do you want to go with me?"  For those of you with teenage daughters who are very busy with school, work, and friends, a simple request like this one means the world to you - I know it did me.  So Brooke and I spent all day Saturday together getting our nails and toes done. Our fun didn't end there, we headed to Lone Star Hair Studio next, and filled the rest of our afternoon with some fun beauty shop gossiping with the one and only Mandy O'Hearn. 

Senior pictures was next on our to do list that Saturday.  Lisa Blevins Photography was an amazing choice.  We met Lisa in Stephenville and headed down to the city park.  The cloudy sky threatened us with rain throughout the entire photo shoot.  The wind gusts were almost non-stop, but that didn't stop Lisa.  She shot picture after picture, and then took us down to the Stephenville Museum.  A trunk full of clothes and around two hours later we said our "Thank-you's" and waited patiently for the email saying proofs are up.  Which by the way they were ready super fast, and some of the best I have ever seen.  I'm a little partial, yes, but Lisa has a gift for photography.  The emotion and colors in her photographs are amazing.

Brooke Senior 2012

Back to the moments that I will cherish forever.  Simple moments.  This past weekend was prom.  Brooke was very busy getting everything ready, finding the perfect jewelry, getting her spray tan, and then another trip to Lone Star Hair Studio.  Before she headed out to the hair studio she needed to wash her hair.  Well, you can't take a shower if you have gotten a spray tan or you'll end up with streaks.  So here she comes shampoo in hand and asks if I'll wash her hair in the kitchen sink.  Again, that might be a simple moment, and might seem silly to some, but it was big to me.  Little moments are the ones that make the best memories. 

So, as we keep turning the pages of the book of life, a chapter in each of our lives is nearing its end.  It is definitely not the end of the book, there are many more chapters that have yet to be written.  I hope Brooke reads the chapters that talk about how I am so thankful she is my daughter over and over again.  (That's going to be in all of the chapter by the way)

Until next time...

...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

An Amazing Journey

This season has been an exciting one...
...And it ended with a lot of emotion.

I really can't limit it to "This Season".  The past six years have been exciting.  Four high school basketball seasons and two junior high seasons.  But, the 2011-2012 Season has been one of the best. 

It's hard to believe that last night Brooke played her last High School basketball game.  I have been very lucky to be a part of her cheering section.  Even though it is from the sidelines I have shared her accomplishments, the joy, the tears, and can't begin to explain the amount of pride I have when I look at the person Brooke has become.

Junior Year

The Lady Hornets set records and kicked butt this year.  They finished the season in a tough, close Regional Quarterfinal game against a very athletic team from Santa Anna.  But when you are that far into the playoffs - all of the teams are good.  That's why they're there.  The Lady Hornets claimed the titles of Area and District Champions.  Had a 25-5 season, with a 22 game win streak, and two players were selected to take part in the All Star East vs. West game this summer.  Brooke is one of them!!  

This group of seniors played each game with heart and soul.  They shared their desire to win and their competitive spirit with each of their teammates, and that combination made for an amazing Basketball Family ~ The 2011-2012 Lady Hornets!



And although it was hard to see it come to an end...
...It has definitely been an amazing journey.  Good Luck next year Ladies. 

See you in Lubbock!

Until next time...
We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style!

My Dad

My Dad
By: Melissa Townley

You've stood there with a peaceful smile,

Calm and collective because that's your style.

In the shadows and behind the scenes,

Your hurting heart and tears were never seen.

An hour drive for a quick hello;

I love you through the car window.

Through difficult times and obstacles;

Even while facing unwinnable battles.

Your peace didn't budge, your spirit never wavered,

The love and compassion you possess never altered.

Though I might not have realized it years ago,

But now,  it's your footsteps I hope to follow.

To be more like you would be such an honor

Because all of my life, you have been the best father.

Love you Dad

Peace Interrupted

On Tuesday, January 3, 2012, My Aunt and Uncle watched as volunteer firemen worked all night, putting out the flames that destroyed their home. 

Peace Interrupted

Dedicated to Dan & Kelly Olson

There was no warning, No sign that said beware.

The flames they were not picky, The fire, it did not care

That the home it was destroying

Was filled with thirty years of living

A life we built together, you, me,

The children - Our Family.

The walls, they crumbled. The roof, it fell,

Turning our home into a vision of Hell.

Now here we stand sifting through ashes

Soot on our hands and tears on our faces,

With hopes of finding something - anything

Left untouched by the flames that went raging

Through our home, and in every room.

The fire tried it's best to consume

Everything that stood in its path.

Each room of our home suffered its wrath.

But no matter how hot, no matter how strong

The flames could not take everything that belonged.

Our lives are only momentarily disrupted

By a beast that raged and peace interrupted.

We have each other and we have love,

We have hearts full of memories and help from above.

Those things, the fire could not steal,

And together, our pain will begin to heal.

We will rebuild, we will overcome

Our lives will not be left undone.

Live, Laugh & Love

So here is Part II...
...to the Dr. Pepper IV STAT

Like I mentioned before, Melissa and I weren't very serious about the doctor visit the other day.  We laughed and joked the entire time she was getting the iron infusion.  You know the delightfully, tacky ladies who talk too much, laugh too loud, but you just can't help but keep listening to them and you try not to laugh because they are being obnoxious, but you just can't help yourself.  Yep, that's us.  But all laughing aside, I did take in the seriousness of those around me that day, and reflect on how we should be thankful for our gift of life.

The majority of the individuals in the infusion room were there for the same reason, chemotherapy.  A treatment for a disease we have all been personally affected by whether it is family, friends, or yourself.  While medicine has advanced and cancer is being treated and even cured, the disease continues to take the lives of the ones we love.

I watched and listened to those around me that day, and thought about how much of a person's life cancer steals.  It isn't just a couple of days trying to get over a cold.  Cancer consumes your life. 

One of the patients was there for chemo., and it apparently affected him worse than others there that day.  He sat there with his two companions he knew too well, the IV pole and a little blue bag for vomit.  Although, he continued to get sick in a room filled with strangers and acquaintances, he seemed to be in good spirits, and continued to tell the nurse, "Now that I got rid of that, I'll take that shot of whiskey."

Another man was there for what he thought would be a final follow-up visit with the doctor, he had taken his last chemotherapy treatment the week before.  He angrily accepted the truth, when he was told another round of treatment was needed the cancer was still there.

Sitting next to us, a elderly woman was waiting to visit with the doctor.  She was going to come back in for another round of chemo.  She was a spunky little lady, and was definately not allowing the disease take her spirit away.  They called her name, and she walked down the hall to hear her fate.  When she returned, I immediately noticed the tears.  As she wiped them away, she said, "I can't make my eyes stop."  And in the next second, through laughter, she told everyone around her news.  The cancer had not spread, her scans were good, her labs were good, and the cancer was responding to the treatment.  Her beautiful smile lit up the room as she told every nurse and every patient around her.  She laughed through the tears.  I found myself caught up with her news, and could feel the tears trying to show in my eyes.  I was laughing and wanting to cry with this complete stranger like I knew her for years.

Others walked in, appearing very healthy.  Some entered the infusion room for their first time, and their face - an expression of fear.  Another arrived in a wheelchair, it was obvious cancer had taken its toll on her.  Bald heads, spikey wigs, those just happy to be alive, and others longing for the end, many different types of people entered that room while were there, and it really got me thinking...

Life is precious, live it to the fullest, laugh often, and love those around you. 

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Dr. Pepper IV STAT

I'll take a Dr. Pepper IV STAT please...
...Or perhaps a little bit of iron will do the trick.

Part I:  So quite sometime ago, a friend and I went in to the Carter mobile unit to donate blood.  She didn't make it through the screening section - yep, that's right, she was a Carter Reject.  The told her she was anemic.  You know the drill, Dr visit here, draw blood, Dr visit there, draw blood, run this test, run that test.  It took a little while to figure out that what she needed was an iron infusion.

I made the journey with her, in case she needed a driver (which she did), and since neither one of us can take to many things serious we made a joke of the entire morning.  The IV bag looked like it was filled with Dr. Pepper.  Which is a great photo op.  So, after having the nurse position the IV pole just right to avoid glare from the window, she snapped a picture.  Then the BIG question..."Will this make me look like an oompa loompa?"  I'm not so sure the nurse knew quite what to think. 

Three and half hours later, the bag was finished, and it was time for us to head back to the office.  Out the door we went, everything appeared fine.  I jump in the passenger seat and Melissa to the driver's seat.  (Not thinking a thing about the bag of iron, bag of steroids, and benedryl injection she received)  It didn't even take a block for us to realize, I really should be doing the driving.  I don't know if it was the giggles, the don't give a crap feeling, the long gaze at the medical supply boutique, or the discussion of whether or not Melissa really stopped at the stop sign that made us realize she was in NO condition to drive. 

Of course, we switched seats and with me in the driver's seat, we made it safely back to the Ville. 

Until next time...

...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Wings to Take You Home

I went to visit you the other day

Even though it is just a grave.

I talked to you until the sun went away,

And the skies of blue began turning gray.

My thoughts, my words traveled above

Carried to Heaven on the wings of a dove.

Even though your home is in another place,

Every corner, every road I see your face.

It’s been a little while, but still seems untrue

I often wonder what am I to do?

In my mind you were never going to leave,

But you did, and I still don’t want to believe.

That the strongest woman I have ever known,

Was given wings to fly on home.

How do you get mad at that?

The little boys have an 8:30 bedtime....
...And that's just so they'll be asleep by midnight.

Maybe midnight is a slight exaggeration, but they will stay up as long they can think of excuses to keep those little eyes of their open.  They have to get a drink, another trip to the bathroom because the little sip of water was on a fast-track through their bodies, they forgot if they said, "Good-Night", they forgot if they gave everyone a hug, they always have to fight a little bit before falling asleep, but the best excuse for staying up later happened the other night.

They were watching a show with dad, and were totally involved in whatever it was they were watching.  So they asked if they could please stay up until it was over.  Dad gave in, but only if they went straight to bed and straight to sleep as soon as it was over. 

Nine o'clock rolls around and they quickly get up, say their good nights, and go right to bed.  It didn't take five minutes before I heard the commotion of two boys fighting coming from their bedroom.  I go in there with a stern look on my face, swing open their door and ask, "What is going on in here?"  Corey replies with, "Cameron is reading, so I hit him and told him to go to bed." 

Keep in mind their room is dark, with only a faint ray of light from the back porch light coming in through the window next to Cameron's bed.  Cameron peaks his head out from under his covers and looks at me with his big brown eyes.  I'm already thinking, I can't get on to him as much as I was going to because he IS reading, and reading IS a good thing.  Next to me, Corey is consistently reminding me that they were to go straight to bed and straight to sleep, but Cameron decided to read instead.  Sure was trying to get his brother in trouble. 

Here comes the real kicker though...Cameron pulls the book he was reading out from under the covers...He is holding his Bible.  He tells me, "I just wanted to read a couple verses before I went to bed."  So, any and all punishments flew right out the window right then and there.  How do you get mad at that? 

I ended up explaining to them, even though reading the Bible is wonderful, they still have to go to bed when we tell them to, and to Corey..."You don't hit your brother in the head when he is reading the Bible. 

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on Doin' it Townley Style.

Our Rock

The strongest woman I have ever known...

...Was given wings to fly on home.

"Mamaw"

Donnie Olson

July 18, 1935 - November 9, 2011

I have sat here for a couple hours typed my thoughts, deleted them, and then done it all over again.  Cameron was sitting beside me and asked, "Do you just keep deleting everything?"   

The only thing I come back to is, She was supposed to live forever. 

The Perfect Dress

It's funny how you walk into a store with an image of what you want in your mind...
...but you walk out with something totally different.

I'm not sure that guys have ever done that...perhaps it's a girl thing. 

Brooke spent several days searching online for what could possibly be the perfect Homecoming dress.  Short dresses, long dresses, royal blue dresses, animal print dresses, dresses that are strapless, dresses that flow, dresses that are sleek.  Fifteen websites and three-hundred dresses later - the only way to know which dress is the Perfect Dress is to try them all on.

Being female, we all know you can't shop by yourself - you MUST have the opinions of several different people, especially when shopping for the Perfect Dress.  Also being female, we all know men aren't the best shoppers, but that didn't matter this go around.  At Brooke's request, the men were going with us.  Two girls, two guys - one common mission.

We were off.  The first store lacked a little bit in options, so we didn't spend a lot of time there.  A little unsure of where we should head next, Dad said the words I'm sure Brooke was hoping to hear, "Want to go to Watchamacallit?"  For those with all boys or girls who are not quite at the prom homecoming age, Watchamacallit is a teenage girls dream shop. 

Brooke picked out several dresses and headed to the dressing room.  They were all beautiful, but nothing was screaming, "That's the one".  She tried the last one on, and was still trying to decide when all of a sudden a light shined through the ceiling and on a dress that was hanging on the dressing room door.  This one had to be the right size, because there was no other dress like it in the store.  I grabbed it off the door and Brooke and I begin looking for the tag to check the size.  Surprise, Surprise it was the right size. 

While Brooke was trying the dress the lady helping us with the dresses disappeared, only to come back with the most amazing pair of shoes in hand.  Once again, a light shined through the ceiling this time it was shining on the shoes.  It didn't take long for all of us to realize...

"That's the one - The Perfect Dress"

Mario let us know the dress was found in what he thought was record time - 2 1/2 hours.  And, after we left, I'm pretty sure Mario and Dad felt a strong urge to go do something manly like heading out to some land somewhere to shoot something or belching the alphabet while watching football with the guys. 

Brooke was beautiful in the Perfect dress, standing on the football field, Homecoming Evening.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

On My Way

Headed to a hospital near you...
...this coming Wednesday!

 

It is so hard to believe that clinicals are about to begin.  Hospital orientation is Wednesday and then the week after that I will be on the floor for my rotation.  There really should be a word for the mixed emotions I am feeling.  Maybe someone should give Mr. Webster a call. 

Since clinicals are starting that only means one thing...I am one step closer to RN.  Just four semesters.  Isn't that crazy?  In four semesters I will be a registered nurse, I will be working on my bachelors at UTA, I will get to see my family again, and who knows what else. 

You think I'm kidding about seeing my family again?  Not kidding at all.  Between a full job, and being a full time student with classes in Arlington and clinicals in Ft. Worth, I rarely see my family.  After being on the road 4 hours a day, twice a week, I walk in the house say "Hi" and spend the rest of the evening with a book in my hand.  I use the lessons learned speach quite a bit with the kiddos..."This is why you go to college right after high school." 

Well, I'm thinking I took a long enough break and should be getting back to business.

Until next time...

...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Time Keeps on Ticking

Another first day of school...
...has come on gone.

Cameron and Corey look pretty happy about the first day of school.  Colby on the other hand, not so much. 

Today was the first day of the last year of Brooke's High School life, the first day of the last year of Colby's Junior High life, and the first day of the last year of Cameron's Elementary School life.  Corey - his milestone year will be next year.

So I spent the day thinking about time and how fast the kiddos grow up.  Was it really eight years ago, when I walked out of Colby's kindergarten class with tears in my eyes?  What about Cameron, could it really be that five years have passed since I asked him, "How was your first day of kindergarten?"  I thought about Corey, and how I can still hold his little hand in mine, but in the blink of an eye he will be standing before me a man.  Then I thought about Brooke, she was a nine year old little girl when I met her.  Now she is a seventeen year old, beautiful young lady about to take on the last year of high school. 

The little boys didn't have a lot to report about their first day back in school.  Cameron said he spent the day getting organized.  Corey was pretty excited about the questions his class got to ask to his teacher.  It was a "Getting to Know You" kind of day for him.  Corey's favorite question for his teacher..."How old are you?" 

The first day back at school went pretty smooth for the kiddos, which is definately a good thing.

Until next time...

...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style. 

Shut-up Nancy!

Turn left here, Make a U-Turn...
...You know that annoying voice that usually puts you in the wrong place.

My morning began on just two hours of sleep due to excessive homework and studying.  I had to be out of the house by 6:30 in order to get to Arlington for my scheduled check-off.  I grabbed breakfast, which was the same thing I had for dinner the night before...a package of Austin brand Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter and ran out of the door.  Perfect...I not only would be there on time, but I was going to have a few moments to go over the check-off one last time.  Wouldn't it be nice if life worked as good while it is happening as it does in our heads? 

Halfway to Granbury, I realize I don't have my watch, an important piece of equipment in the check-off.  In a split second several things run through my mind as I pull to the side of the road and whip my car around...driving all the way home would make me late, I could borrow a classmates watch, but it's scheduled check-offs so there might not be anyone else there, if I am late the instructor could actually count it as a fail, three fails and your out, can't be out of the program, could call Terry who might grab my watch and head my direction with it, (quick glance at the clock and back to the thoughts flying through my head) Terry could already be at work, Terry might be gripey, can't be late, awe heck just call Terry.  Well, I did, he was not gripey, and he met me on the road between the house and Glen Rose with my watch.  Lifesaver!

That turning around did take about 20 minutes of the clock, which was cutting it pretty close, but getting to Arlington on time was still possible.  That was until the flat bed truck in front of me started losing tools off the back of his truck.  So there I was dodging a large combination square at 70 mph, hoping it didn't hit my car and feeling sorry for him when he go to the job site.  I needed to get around him, but it wasn't gonna happen.  For fear of getting hit by a table saw I slowed down to a crawl.  Yes 55 - 60 feels like you're crawling when you have to be somewhere by a certain time.

Now, I know which roads to take, which exits to use, so I didn't need the navigator, but Nancy, the navigator, has that neat little feature that shows your arrival time, and she is always right on the money.  (The kiddos named the voice Nancy, but my husband usually calls her something else)  I reach over, turn Nancy on and she shows my arrival time to be 8:49.  That is 19 minutes late! 

By this time, I am out of the country and in traffic, on the phone with my instructor, and going over the steps of my check-off.  Yes, I was going through the steps out loud, and yes, other drivers were most likely wondering, "What in the heck is wrong with that girl?".

My lack of sleep, hunger, test anxiety, and stress got the best of me.  I could see far enough ahead to know there were no cops, so I decided I could go a little bit faster, ya know just to get through the traffic.  Before I knew it, Nancy is yelling "CAUTION".  She yells that when your speed is 10 miles over the posted limit.  I am a multi-tasker, but even I couldn't keep my eyes on the road, drive a little bit faster than I should, fight traffic, go over my check-off, and turn Nancy's volume off at the same time.  Come on, It just wouldn't be safe if I did all of that. 

So, every few seconds, I hear, "CAUTION".  I slow down just a tad, but speed right back again.  There she is again, "CAUTION"  I repeat the slow down - speed up. "CAUTION", "CAUTION", "CAUTION"  Like I mentioned before, my lack of sleep, hunger, test anxiety, and stress got the best of me, and I holler out, "SHUT UP NANCY!"

She just replied, "CAUTION"

In case you were wondering...I was 15 minutes late, Ms. Todd did let me check-off, and Yep, I passed first attempt.  We'll see how next week goes.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

A Nine Year Celebration

It's hard to believe how fast time passes...
...Our baby boy turned Nine.

Corey woke up to find a "Happy Birthday, Love Dad" note Terry left on the counter before he headed off to work.  Corey thought it was pretty special because when I got home that was the first thing he told me.  And when Cameron said, "I was the first to wish you Happy Birthday," Corey quickly responded, "Nu-uh, Dad was, He left me a note!"

I spent the majority of Corey's birthday running around and getting things together for his birthday party that evening.  A quick run to Stephenville followed by a quick run to Cleburne.  Yep, two different towns - two different directions....some of the joys of living in the sticks. 

We planned on having grilled hot dogs at 7.  Which was way too long for Corey to wait.  His excitement increased throughout the day, while his patience decreased.  He could hardly wait for everyone to get to the house.  Once they got here, he could barely wait for everyone to get finished eating dinner.  I think he ate his hot dog in one bite, and was asking, "Are you done?"  He even cleaned up everyone's plates in hopes of of speeding up the process.  Finally, we were all was finished and it was the moment he had been waiting for...time to open presents.

He got everything he was wanting.  A Dale Jr. beach towel (which he says he is hiding from Dad), a watergun, new swim shorts, an electronic light saber with batteries, Mario Galaxy for Wii, one size fits all - Cash, and a bright green bicycle.  He could barely decide what to do first, shoot someone with watergun, ride his bike, head to the room to play videogames, run outside in the dark to see his light saber glow, or jump in the pool so he could dry off with his new towel.  He did squeeze in a quick, "Will you put this money up, so we can go to the store," and then I'm pretty sure he did everything within ten minutes and then repeated his list.

When he got settled down, he threw his arms around our necks, and said he had a Great Birthday!  Makes your heart happy.  I am very greatful our family was here to help make Corey's birthday Great! 

This birthday marked the last year of the single digits for Corey.  Next year he hits the doubles. Milestones....10, 13, 16...time just keeps on flying by.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style!

1977

I woke up yesterday morning...
...to the beginning of a new year.

Yep that's right, it was my birthday, and my day was full of surprises!  From a beautiful, fresh bouquet of summer flowers to Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss (8 tubes of it) to Blingy, Oversized sunglasses to sweet smelling Sexy Little Things Love Me perfume and lotion (another Victoria's Secret Special), to MORE Beauty Rush lip gloss and makeup...(Love that girl, Vickie and her store)!  A Very Big Thank-You to Dad and Kelly; Mom and Rick; and the fabulous Queens of Quality.  By the way, I am thinking all of that lip gloss will last me approximately 5-6 months.  Although, certain individuals might argue with that statement.  Actually, I think they have placed some bets on how long it will last me.

Terry had to have been a pretty busy fella yesterday afternoon with all of his birthday planning he was doing.  When I got home, I walked up to the house and could smell the sweet aroma of a freshly baked cake, so I knew Terry had been doing some baking after he got off work.  However, I was instructed to go immediately to the room and wait.  A few minutes passed and he told me I could come out. There stood Corey, holding the cake, Terry, Tillman, Brooke, Colby and Cameron.  They all busted out in song...  "Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday Dear Ma, Happy Birthday to you."  Terry had definitely been doing some baking.  The kitchen counter was filled with Terry's Famous Burritos, Homemade Rice and Beans and the yummy chocolate cake decorated with colorful marshmallows. 

My birthday was FOR SURE a day of surprises, and I love them all!

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.

Waterlogged

From just about sun-up to sun-down...
...the swimming pool was where the boys spent their time.

Seth, my nephew, spent the weekend with us.  We don't get to see him as often as we used to, so it was great getting to spend some time with him.

The boys, well Seth and Corey spent every evening this week with Memaw, Papaw, Aunt Teresa and their cousin Shelby, at Vacation Bible School in Morgan.  Cameron joined them on Thursday and Friday nights, when he got back from camp.  I have been told they had a baby goat, chickens, and all kinds of crafts during VBS.

Since Friday evening was the last night, it lasted a little bit longer than the other nights.  That sure didn't slow the boys down any.  They busted through the front door sometime after 9 that night, all three of them talking at once.  I don't know if they were all just so excited Seth was staying or if it was all the sugar they had been eating; my guess is, it was a little of both.  They eventually settled down enough for Terry and I to rustle them into the bedroom and get the Netflix streaming.  After a few moments of quiteness coming from the bedroom, we felt it was safe to go on to bed. 

I'm not sure what time the boys went to sleep, but they didn't wake up until just a little after 10 the next morning.  I still haven't told them they slept right through Grandaddy and Mi-Mi's visit. 

Seth and Corey woke up with just about the same excitement as they had the night before.  I saw a streak come from the bedroom, right out the back door and straight into the swimming pool.  I finished up the little bit of cleaning I was doing and decided those boys had the right idea.  I joined them for a day-long swim.

The boys would get out just long enough to get a snack, and they went right back to swimming.  We spent the day floating toy boats across the water, sinking plastic army men and then swimming to the bottom to rescue them.  Seth even got to meet the frog that lives in our rock waterfall. 

We finished our evening off with watermelon and ice cream cones.  I think the watermelon was a big hit with Seth, because when Uncle Terry got it out of the fridge, Seth grinned a big ole grin and said, "I'm in a good mood for Watermelon!" 

I had plans of meeting my sister Sunday after church, but Seth ended up hitching a ride with Grandma.  I'm hoping he had as much fun as we did this weekend.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style!

One Long Week for Mom; One Great Time for Cameron

Holding back the tears...
...I gave Cameron a hug and said "Good-Bye".

It wasn't like he was going away for a long time, it was only four days.  This four days happened to be the first time any of the boys had gone to camp, the first time any of the boys would be gone for longer than a day or two, and the first time any of the boys didn't have dad, me, a grandparent or aunt with them.  Cameron was on his own.  I guess, not exactly on his own.  He had his best friend, Hunter, Clay the boys' camp sponsor and eight girls and their camp sponsors traveling with them for the week.  Still...this four days was the longest of my life.

The church van left out on Sunday afternoon, so Cameron and I spent the morning packing his suitcase.  I'm sure I overpacked, but he needed clothes for four days plus an extra set, swim wear, flip flops, tennis shoes, sheets, covers, towels, pillows, band-aids, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, money, mine and dad's phone numbers, ink pens, and his Bible.  We got all of that in one, very large suitcase. 

When we pulled up to the church to drop him off, I could already feel the lump in my throat.  He was so excited, and I couldn't dare let him or any of the other parents see that at any moment I could possibly turn into the bawling crybaby.  I kept telling myself, It is only until Thursday morning.  He will be fine.  I knew he would have blast, but believe me it wasn't easy watching the van pull away.  (I'm guessing this is some foreshadowing of what is to come when they go off to college)

I got to work the next morning and learn I can see some pictures from camp through their website.  How awesome was that?  Technology sure is a great thing.  I opened the photo album, and sure enough there are pictures from Day I and some very good pictures of Cameron.  Of course, I shared the pictures with every person who walked by my office, and of course, I left the pictures up on my desktop so I could look at them every hour or so.  Alright, Alright - every few minutes.

Monday came and went, then Tuesday, Wednesday and finally Thursday was here.  Those four days seemed to drag on forever.  I was getting ready for work, when I got the phone call - the kiddos are back home and at the church.  I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.  I ran to my closet grabbed the closest pair of flip flops and ran to the car.  As I backed out of the driveway, I realized I have no make up on and my hair is half straight.  The other part of my hair is piled on top of my head in a clip because I wasn't quite finished with the flat iron.  What a sight. 

Now, the church is only a short four or five blocks away, but I am positive that I drove miles and miles at the top speed of 1 mph to get there.  Two blocks away from the church - the best feeling a mom could ever have...There stood Cameron on the edge of road next to the church van, his arm stretched as high as it would go and waving his hand back and forth.  The smile on his face reached from ear to ear.  He waved nonstop until I put the car in park.  From the moment I saw him standing there, tears filled my eyes.  There I was again, pulling myself together and wiping away the tears before I got out to say "Welcome Back". 

Cameron had a blast at camp.  He had so much fun, he no longer had a voice.  Cameron gave me a hug and in a raspy voice said, "Hello."  He said, he cheered and hollered so much he actually lost his voice on the first day of camp.  The kids were given four Bible verses to learn, and Cameron learned all four of the verses on the first night.  He slid down a 100 foot water slide into the camp swimming hole, took a 300 foot zip line through the park, and shot Clay, their sponsor, with paintballs at the camp paintball field.  Cameron and Hunter, the only two boys from Walnut who went to camp this year, were given the Cleanest Cabin Award.  Out of the 550 kids at the Next Level Kids Camp, Cameron and Hunter kept their cabin the cleanest throughout the week.  I'm thinking this type of behavior should carry on to Cameron's bedroom.  (I won't hold my breath.)  On the last night of camp, Cameron and Hunter got take part in the pizza party since they memorized all of their memory verses. 

Memories to last a lifetime.  The smile on Cameron's face, the excitement in his voice when he shared all of his experiences at camp are well worth the tears on a momma's face as she watches her kiddos grow up right before her eyes.

Until next time...
...We're gonna keep on doin' it Townley Style.